Indulge in the perfect combination of flavors with this cheesy pumpkin and sausage pasta. This dish is rich, creamy, and full of autumn-inspired goodness. The savory sausage pairs perfectly with the sweet and earthy pumpkin, while the cheese adds a satisfyingly gooey texture. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that will warm you up during those chilly fall evenings. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy this mouthwatering pasta in no time!
Ingredients
- 8 oz of rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb of Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried sage, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and cooked rigatoni pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are melted and everything is well combined.
- Serve the cheesy pumpkin and sausage pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
The combination of pumpkin and sausage is a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the pumpkin balances out the savory flavors of the sausage.
You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the sauce to enhance the pumpkin flavor even more.